The Australian national football team, affectionately known as the ‘Socceroos’, head to South Africa for their third appearance in the World Cup finals. Prior to the most recent tournament – the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Aussies had not been a part of the highest stage in international football since 1974.
Tim Cahill is undoubtedly heading to South Africa with the hopes of a nation resting firmly on his shoulders.
The Socceroos’ campaign for a spot in the 2010 World Cup finals saw them travel through Asia, in a 14-match stint where they topped Group One, making them one of the first confirmed nations to play in South Africa. Tim Cahill and Brett Emerton emerged from the qualifying campaign the top scorers, claiming four goals each – while mark Schwarzer built up the most number of minutes played.
They have drawn a tough group for the 2010 World Cup – Group D, although at this stage of elite football, all groups are tough. They will face Germany, Ghana and Serbia in their quest for the title of World Champions before even reaching the knockout stages. The Socceroos will no doubt head to South Africa hopeful to beat their impressive form at the 2006 World Cup where they crashed out in the round of 16 to eventual champions Italy. If they manage to finish in the top two of Group D, they will most likely face either England or the USA if all goes according to the stats – which will certainly be a tough challenge.
Australia’s Group D Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Venue |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 7 | 13.06.10 | Germany V Australia | Durban Stadium, Durban | 20.30 | 04.30 (14.06.10) |
| 24 | 19.06.10 | Ghana V Australia | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg | 16.00 | 00.00 (20.06.10) |
| 40 | 26.06.10 | Australia V Serbia | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit | 20.30 | 04.30 (24.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
LUCAS NEIL (CAPTAIN)
Born: 09.03.1978
Height: 1.85 metres
Position: Central Defender
Club: Galatassaray, Turkish Super League
International Debut: Vs Saudi Arabia (October 1996)
Lucas Neil leads his Socceroos side to South Africa with pride, knowing that this will most likely be his last World Cup tournament as skipper. Neil has been fantastic for the Aussies in defence, leading by example and through true grit and determination. He returned from the 2006 World Cup an here in Australia – and will hope to do the same this year.
TIM CAHILL
Born: 06.12.1979 in Sydney
Height: 1.78 metres
Position: Midfielder
Club: Everton, EPL
International Debut: Vs South Africa (30.03.2004)
Tim Cahill is undoubtedly heading to South Africa with the hopes of a nation resting firmly on his shoulders. The attacking midfielder has a fantastic eye for goal, and claims the most number of goals at the finals for Australia – being the first to score for the Aussies in the last World Cup.
MARK SCHWARZER
Born: 06.10.1972 in Sydney
Height: 1.94 metres
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Fulham FC, EPL
International Debut: Vs Canada (31.07.1993)
Mark Schwarzer comes into the World Cup on career-topping form, following a fantastic season domestically and internationally. On the road to South Africa, Shwarzer let in just four goals, and kept a blank sheet seven times consecutively in a record run by the February 2010 Barclays Premier League Player of the Month.
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Goalkeepers | Adam FEDERICI |
| Brad JONES | |
| Mark SCHWARZER | |
| Defenders | Michael BEAUCHAMP |
| David CARNEY | |
| Jason CULINA | |
| Shane LOWRY | |
| Mark MILLIGAN | |
| Craig MOORE | |
| Lucas NEIL | |
| Jade NORTH | |
| Luke WILKSHIRE | |
| Rhys WILLIAMS | |
| Midfielders | Marco BRESCIANO |
| Tim CAHILL | |
| Nick CARLE | |
| Scott CHIPPERFIELD | |
| Brett EMERTON | |
| Richard GARCIA | |
| Vince GRELLA | |
| Brett HOLMAN | |
| Mile JEDINAK | |
| Carl VALERI | |
| Dario VIDOSIC | |
| Forwards | Joshua KENNEDY |
| Harry KEWELL | |
| Scott McDONALD | |
| Nikita RUKAVYSTSYA |
